After a decade of research and rigorous testing, the GORE-TEX brand is proud to announce the newest products to market with thier new technology, the GORE-TEX ePE Membrane. First launched in the lifestyle footwear and snow sports gloves in 2023, the market has seen a significant increase in the use of the GORE-TEX ePE membrane in the outdoor industry.
For our product testing, we were sent the Dakine Baron GORE-TEX Mitt that is insulated with (one of our favorites) Primaloft Gold recycled polyester and an incredibly soft wool liner for optimal warmth and moisture wicking. The shell is constructed with both a 4-way stretch shell that is a composite of nylon, elastane and polyester with patches of goat leather on both the palm and the top of the hand.
The Dakine Baron GORE_TEX Mitt is designed as a slip on and the leather and elastane help to stretch the fabric for a personalized fit. Unlike other gloves that can be bulky with this level of insulation, the Baron Mitt makes it easy to manipulate my bindings and believe it or not, the grip on a cold brew after a day of skiing and playing in the snow is top notch.
Outside of the pilabilty and grip, the most exciting aspect of the Baron GORE-TEX mitt is the newest offering from Gore, GORE-TEX ePE Membrane. This membrane is combined with Polyurethane for the inner lining of the glove and it is this combination that provides waterproof, windproof, breathability and increased durability. Apart from our skis and boards, gloves really do the heavy lifting of snow sports, in my opinion. From tickets to the lift and cruising down the mountain, our gloves are in constant contact with the elements or materials. Bad gloves can make or break a day on the mountain because no one likes to be cold, wet and unable to grasp their pole or buckle in.
The GORE-TEX ePE membrane is the Gore company’s first membrane was fabricated withOUT the use of polyfluorinated substances and is lower in material mass thus decreasing Gore’s carbon footprint. On our recent trip to Snowbird, the Baron GORE-TEX Mitts were really put to the test as there were record winds blowing through the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. Winds up to 78MPH and wind chill of -10 made for some hazardous weather. While we waited for the winds to die down and the mountain to open, we took to playing in the snow.
With all the cold, wet conditions, the only reason I really needed to escape the weather was because my nose felt like it was going to freeze. My hands, which are normally frozen and my attitude poor due to this, were quite warm and happy! I felt that the GORE-TEX ePE membrane made a significant difference in my experience and I was able to maintain a happy level of heat without the addition of liners or heat packs. With the way I go through disposable heat packs, this could lead to a significant savings. The GORE-TEX ePE membrane leverages a high strength-to-weight ratio to create an incredibly lightweight and featherly composite that will hold up to the abuse we put them through.
I did not experience the sweaty heat that I have in my previous Hestra Gloves and found that the decreased materials in the mitts made it easier to grasp my ski pole, help my children with the constant slog of placing and removing gear, zipping jackets and bibs, and simple tasks like opening my car door without taking off my gloves.
GORE-TEX ePE membrane gear is available through brands like Adidas, Dakine, Reusch, Salomon, Patagonia and Ziener. Use this LINK to find out more about the brands coming on board and where to purchase.